Angolan War of Independence Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Angolan War of Independence

Portuguese troops on patrol in Angola

Date	1961 - 1975
Location	Angola
Result	Alvor Agreement, Angolan independence, start of Angolan Civil War

Belligerents

National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA)

National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)

Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC)

Cuba

Estado Novo (Portugal)
Supported By:

South Africa

Rhodesia

Commanders and leaders

Silvino Silvério Marques

Camilo Augusto de Miranda Rebocho Vaz

Fernando Augusto Santos e Castro

Strength

90,000

65,000

Casualties and losses

50,000

2,991 killed (1,526 KIA & 1,465 non-combat related)
4,684 with permanent deficiency (physical or psychological)

The Angolan War of Independence was a fight for freedom in Angola against Portugal. It lasted from 1961 to 1975. Portugal had ruled Angola for a long time. They made people farm cotton and other crops. Many Angolans wanted their country to be independent. This war was part of the larger Portuguese Colonial Wars.

Several groups in Angola fought against Portugal. These included the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA), the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). Agostinho Neto was a key leader for the MPLA. Portugal was winning many battles. However, a change in Portugal's government led to Angola becoming independent.

About 3,000 Portuguese soldiers died during the war. Many more Angolans also lost their lives.

Why the War Started
- Rise of Nationalism
- First Attacks
Who Fought in the War
- Angolan Freedom Fighters
- Portuguese Forces
How the War Ended
- Change in Portugal
- Angola Becomes Independent
Images for kids
See also

Why the War Started

For many years, Angola was a colony of Portugal. This meant Portugal controlled Angola's land and people. They used Angola's resources, like cotton, for their own benefit.

Rise of Nationalism

In the 1950s and 1960s, many African countries became independent. This inspired Angolans to want their own freedom. People in Angola started to feel a strong sense of national pride. They wanted to govern themselves. This feeling is called nationalism.

First Attacks

The war began in 1961. Angolan groups started attacking Portuguese targets. They wanted to force Portugal to leave.

Who Fought in the War

There were two main sides in the Angolan War of Independence.

Angolan Freedom Fighters

Several Angolan groups fought for independence. They often had different ideas about how Angola should be run.

The National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) was led by Holden Roberto.
The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) was led by Jonas Savimbi.
The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was led by Agostinho Neto.
The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) fought for a smaller region called Cabinda.
Cuba also sent soldiers to help the MPLA.

Portuguese Forces

Portugal's government at the time was called the Estado Novo. They wanted to keep Angola as a colony.

Portugal sent many soldiers to Angola.
They were supported by South Africa and Rhodesia. These countries were also ruled by white minority governments.

How the War Ended

The war lasted for 14 years. Portugal had a strong army and was winning many battles.

Change in Portugal

In 1974, there was a big change in Portugal. A group of soldiers overthrew the government. This event was called the Carnation Revolution. The new government in Portugal wanted to end the colonial wars. They decided to give independence to their colonies, including Angola.

Angola Becomes Independent

In 1975, the Alvor Agreement was signed. This agreement officially ended the war. Angola became an independent country on November 11, 1975.

However, the different Angolan groups could not agree on how to rule the new country. This led to the start of the Angolan Civil War. This new war lasted for many more years.

Images for kids

Map of the present provinces of Angola, corresponding almost exactly to the Portuguese-era districts.
Portuguese paratroopers in the forests of northern Angola
An SA-330 Puma of the Portuguese Air Force.
A Portuguese F-84 being loaded with ordnance in the 1960s, at Luanda Air Base, during the Portuguese Colonial War.
Portuguese Air Force F-84 Thunderjet.
Portuguese colonial troops on parade in Luanda
UPA badge
Training of F.N.L.A. soldiers in a camp in Zaire in 1973